Mr. Joseph F. Teti, Sr., 73, of New Hartford, entered into eternal life on Friday, September 18, 2009 in the comfort of his home, with his loving family at his bedside, after a ten month battle with pancreatic cancer, which he fought with every once of his being. He was born August 15, 1936, in Utica, the son of the late Nicholas and Mary Mezzanini Teti and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. Joe proudly served his country in the US Air Force from 1955-1959, was stationed in Alaska for two years and was a member of the US Air Force Band. On May 31, 1958, Joe married Mary Ayoub, the love of his life, and who were both inseparable for 51 years. Joe worked at General Electric for 34 years, retiring as a Production Control Specialist. Mr. Teti was a devoted communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Church and was very faithful in his duties as Eucharist Minister. Joe was also a member of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society, an annual volunteer for his churches festival and enjoyed playing the saxophone for various local bands. Joe enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, fishing, camping, playing cards, dancing and mushroom and rappini picking. He was the family handyman and was always there when someone needed him. Joe loved the Pumpernickel Deli, which had a special place in his heart, where his dear friends and relatives, especially Philip Amodio, gathered and whom he loved being with. His family will miss his smiles, his sense of humor, his knowledge, his strength and his gentleness. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; a daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Chris Bye of NH; his two sons, Joseph Teti, Jr. and his partner Don Creel of New York City and Fred and Bonnie Teti of Alplaus, NY; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Connie Caruso of Utica and Frances and Guy Scerbo of Waterville; a brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Sue Teti of Rome; six grandchildren, Christopher and Alexandra Bye, Lucas, Haileigh, Madisyn and Rylie Teti; his in-laws, Carm Teti of FL, Johanne and Pat Amitrano of Utica, Abe Ayoub of Utica, Frederica and Richard Dziekonski of Rome and Anthony and Bonnie Ayoub of Remsen; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Nicholas Teti; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Fannie and Fred Ayoub. Mary Teti and her children are extremely grateful to all of Joe's care givers, especially his sister-in-law, Bonnie Ayoub, for her unconditional consistent support and compassion. His funeral will be Tuesday at 10 am from the Bentz & Amodio Funeral Service, Inc., 470 French Rd., Utica/New Hartford and 11 am from St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. James Cesta. Private entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. Calling hours are Monday evening from 5-8.